Molding casein and process of producing same.



, UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LEONKH. BARNETT, OF BELLOWS FALLS, VERMONT, ASSIGNOR TO MICARQIl) MANUFACTUR- ING COMPANY, OF JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

HOLDING CASEIN PROCESS OF PRODUGIHG'SAKE.

No. combos.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 3, 1907.

Application filed June 5,1903. Serial mineral.

To all whom it may concern:

. sein and Process of Producing the Same, of which the following is a specificationl- My invention has for its object to provide a molding material which can be used as a substitute for hard rubber, celluloid, horn, bone, ivory, or the like, using as a base for my new material the now well known substance casein. a p

Attempts have heretofore been made to produce such a material from casein, but so far as I know they have all failed, because the material was either too brittle or would discolor and the process of manufacture was long, tedious and expensive. .Not only does my material differ in composition from the materials heretofore produced, but the process of manufacturing itis also different, being chemical rather than mechanical. I My invention consists in combining with casein certain, mineral substances, such as mica,'talc, asbestos, or similar substances, and while this mixture may be said to be mechanical, it is made during the chemical treatment of casein, and, therefore, produces a much mor homogeneous, uniform and intimate mixture than could vention.

I have discovered that if a solution of casein or of an alkaline caseinate be precipitated in the presence of certain mineral substances, suchas asbestos, talc,.mica, or similar substancesfby a'salthaving an acid reaction, such as alum, lead nitrate, lead acetate, zinc chlorid, chrome alum, or similar salts, or mixture thereof, a ina- ,terial is produced insoluble in water, which upon dryQ ing, can be readily molded and which, when molded,

possesses great mechanical strength and toughness and high. insulating value. If it is desired to make the product imperviousto moisture, as well as insoluble, I find that can be accomplished by adding to the solution of casein or alkaline caseinate, an alkaline solution of wax, resin,

shellac, or similar substances, and then proceeding as before described. "1 might also add that a cheaper product can be obtained by using acids, such as'sulfuric, acetic or hydrochloric, instead of the acid salts above specified, although I prefer the latter. In practice I have secured good results by dissolving commercial casein in about four parts by .weight of water after adding suflicient alkali to make the solution alkaline. The percentage of alkali depends-on the particular one usedthus about three (3%) per cent. of caustic soda is sufficient, while about fifteen (15%) per cent. of borax is used. I then heat this alkaline solution until the casein is, dissolved, when I: add the'minis further diluted and heated and then agitated, the

casein being then precipitated by the acid salts or acids hereinbefore referred to, carrying with it the other substances, complete precipitation being indicated by the liquid becoming clear. The clearliquid is then poured off and if desired the precipitated mass washed, after which the excess water is pressed outand the material dried, and if necessary reground to a powder when it ready for molding.' I

To make the material waterproof, the process is the same as above, except that the resin, shellac, or similar substance is added to the solution before precipitating the casein and suspended matter; and for this purpose I have obtained good results by using a solution-of resin and displacing therewith one half'the quantity of casein.

The proportions of the various materials used may be varied greatly and I do not limit myself to those above set forth.

Having described my invention, what I claim is:

1. As a new article of manufacture waterproof molding casein composed of casein and resin precipitated from an alkaline solution in the presence of mineral substances, substantially as set forth! 2. The herein described process ofmanufacturing molding casein, which consists in precipitating from a solution of casein or of an alkaline caseinate by acids or salts of acid reaction=casein in the presence of mineral substances,

substantially as set forth.

3..lhe process of manufacturing waterproofImolding casein, which consists in precipitating from a solution of casein or of an alkaline caseinate by acids or salts of acid reaction casein in the presence of mineral substances, and resin, substantially as set forth.

a 4. As a. new article of manufacture, water-proof molding casein, composed of a caseinate of a metal, and resinterial precipitated from solution in the presence of minerai ate of a metal, precipitated from an alkaline solution in substances, substantially as set forth. the "presence of mineral substances, substantially as set In witness whereof, I have hereunt set my hand this forth. first day of June, in the year nlnetee hundred and three 5 5. As a new article of. manufacture waterproof molding (1903), in the presence of two witnesses casein composed of c'asein and resinous material precipitated from solution in the presence of mineral substances LEON BARNETT substantially as set forth. Witnesses: 6. As new article of manufacture waterproof molding H. Knsnu Bnooxs, 10 casein composed of caselnate of a metal and resinous ma- W. J. Roumn. 

